SAYC was founded in 2003 by young people who saw a strong need for collaboration. More than 20 years later this remains our core mission – bringing together young people, providing them with inspiration, tools, and knowledge to address the challenges they see in their own communities.

Today, we have around 20 active member organizations (called youth councils) in our network, and we continue to grow. While we are currently working to map how many municipalities offer structured opportunities for youth influence, we already know that many young people across the country lack the opportunity to have their voices heard. This is what we are working to change.

SAYC is politically and religiously independent. We welcome all young people who want to get involved, provided they share our commitment to an inclusive and democratic organization. We apply a norm-critical perspective and actively strive to create an accessible environment where everyone feels welcome. This is at the heart of our work.

A youth council is an organization run by young people, for young people within a municipality, city, or neighbourhood. Youth councils carry out a wide range of activities, all with the aim of improving the lives of young people in their communities.

Many youth councils engage in political work, but this is not a requirement. Others run their own projects, organize social and cultural activities, or develop initiatives based on local needs. We believe it is essential that youth councils are free to define their own priorities and ways of working. Supporting this autonomy is one of our central principles.

Is your organization looking for a partner to collaborate on Nordic or European projects focused on youth empowerment? Or are you a national youth council, like us, in another Nordic or European country interested in exchanging ideas and building a network?